The Plantsman’s Advent Calendar Day 21: Polygonatum humile

Don’t mistake for a minute that all plants in the garden have to be loud-mouthed and sassy. Hip gardeners know that classy, chic plants fit into comely garden spaces whether recliner- or votive-candle-sized. Sometimes it’s the little details (channel your inner Bob Ross and think “happy little trees”) that make or break the stylistic essence of a garden. Today I’m featuring one of those little details in my shade garden–Polygonatum humile.

Ever running around the garden floor in search of a neighbor to cuddle next to, this dwarf Solomon’s seal never grows more than six or eight inches (at least the majority of forms in commerce). Little fluted stems with white, teardrop-shaped flowers pop up early in April here in Iowa and join an ephemeral crowd in full swing–violets, hepaticas, and epimediums to name a few. Fortunately, this plant is a little more available than others I’ve featured, which means you should all run out and buy 10 or so if you don’t grow it already.

And what do I need to say culturally about a plant that’s so easy to grow? Drop the roots into some decent humus, cool in the shade, and you’re on your way to enjoying these little votives of the woodland garden.